About Me

Sunday, December 31, 2017

I think, ever since I was a kid, the last day of the year has been a reflective time for me. A dividing line between the old and the new. A day of letting go. A day of hope. A chance of renewal. A clean slate.2017, on national, global, and personal levels, was a year of great change--extreme highs and extreme lows. For me, it was a year of reckoning--with who I am, with who I know I can be.This year brought a chance to start over in an entirely new environment and I am SO grateful that that new environment has panned out as a place I already think of as home--a place I can see myself in years and years from now, maybe even until that final transition (I don't know yet if relocation expenses will be covered for that one).Because of the changes of 2017, especially personally, I approach the new year with hope and with faith that things are always moving forward, progressing, and headed toward our greatest and highest good (even though that may not always be immediately apparent).So, my friends, I hope you peek through the door into the new year with optimism...

Real Men. True Love.
Rick R. Reed draws inspiration from the lives of gay men to craft stories that quicken the heartbeat, engage emotions, and keep the pages turning. Although he dabbles in horror, dark suspense, and comedy, his attention always returns to the power of love. He’s the award-winning and bestselling author of more than fifty works of published fiction and is forever at work on yet another book. Lambda Literary has called him: “A writer that doesn’t disappoint…” You can find him at www.rickrreed.com or www.rickrreedreality.blogspot.com. Rick lives in Palm Springs, CA with his beloved husband and their fierce Chihuahua/Shiba Inu mix.

Friday, December 29, 2017

Today, I'm thinking about Raining Men, my heartfelt love story about a sexually-addicted man finding his way toward loving himself and, at last, that special one.

It's not an easy journey and it's one fraught with danger, missteps, and outright peril. But if you travel along with Bobby Nelson, you'll also discover hope, joy, and the transformative power of love.

BLURB

The character you loved to hate in Chaser becomes the character you will simply love in Raining Men.

It’s been raining men for most of Bobby Nelson’s adult life. Normally, he wouldn’t have it any other way, but lately something’s missing. Now, he wants the deluge to slow to a single special drop. But is it even possible for Bobby to find “the one” after endless years of hooking up?

When Bobby’s father passes away, Bobby finally examines his rocky relationship with the man and how it might have contributed to his inability to find the love he yearns for. Guided by a sexy therapist, a Sex Addicts Anonymous group, a well-endowed Chihuahua named Johnny Wadd, and Bobby’s own cache of memories, Bobby takes a spiritual, sexual, and emotional journey to discover that life’s most satisfactory love connections lie in quality, not quantity. And when he’s ready to love not only himself but someone else, sex and love fit, at last, into one perfect package.

REVIEWSFrom LIVE YOUR LIFE, BUY THE BOOK
“Rick R. Reed makes the commitment to write about issues of interest in the gay community and he does so regularly. Sexual addiction is certainly one we hear about and it’s universal. I found myself pulled into this story as I realized what was going on with Bobby. I wanted Bobby to show the vulnerable aspects of himself he has buried over time to avoid hurt. I wanted him to be whole, to be happy and to find himself.
This is not an easy journey, but a journey very worth taking.
Read the review.

From ON TOP DOWN UNDER BOOK REVIEWS
“...another amazing story...Never in a million years would I have thought that I would love Bobby. Only a truly talented author could turn a character like him around as he did.”
Read the review.

From SID LOVE M/M Reviews
“...definitely a keeper. I would recommend it to anyone…a real deal, with a believable storyline and some great writing by a very talented author.”
Read the review.

From MM Good Book Reviews
“And while this is definitely a romance with a HEA I get to say that the achievement of that HEA has never felt more realistic and approachable...The entire book felt as if the author handpicked the characters straight from out on the streets, stripped them of their stories and wrote their lives for us to have a glimpse of…A very remarkable book that the forever-romantics would not want to miss.”

Real Men. True Love.
Rick R. Reed draws inspiration from the lives of gay men to craft stories that quicken the heartbeat, engage emotions, and keep the pages turning. Although he dabbles in horror, dark suspense, and comedy, his attention always returns to the power of love. He’s the award-winning and bestselling author of more than fifty works of published fiction and is forever at work on yet another book. Lambda Literary has called him: “A writer that doesn’t disappoint…” You can find him at www.rickrreed.com or www.rickrreedreality.blogspot.com. Rick lives in Palm Springs, CA with his beloved husband and their fierce Chihuahua/Shiba Inu mix.

Thursday, December 28, 2017

It’s all fun and games
in the escort business until someone gets hurt, or falls in love. Here’s what
happened to one of the escorts in A
Dangerous Game.

BLURB

Sex can be a dangerous business. So can love.

On the worst day of his life, Wren Gallagher wants oblivion when he steps into Tricks for a drink. When a mysterious stranger steps up to pay his tab, he offers Wren the key to fulfilling his dreams of prosperity and true love.

But appearances are not always what they seem.

His savior owns the escort agency À Louer, and he wants the young and handsome Wren as part of his stable of men-for-hire. Down on his luck, Wren figures, why not? He needs the money. When he joins, though, he doesn’t count on meeting Rufus, another escort with whom he falls hopelessly in love.

But their love story will have to overcome the obstacles of not only trading love for money, but À Louer’s dark—and deadly—secrets.

1st Edition published as Rent by ManLove Romance Press, 2012.

EXCERPT

During this time together Evan realized he had done the unthinkable and crossed the line he had been told, not only by Dave but by other escorts, that he should never cross—he had fallen in love.The words, as they lay side by side in Dan’s king-size bed, slipped out of him just before they drifted off into slumber. “I love you,” Evan whispered huskily into the darkness, wishing, as soon as the words had escaped his mouth, that he could take them back. In what world, Evan had wondered, was it appropriate for a prostitute to say such a thing to a client? He lay still, feeling heat rise to his face, waiting for Dan to tell him he’d better go, that he would call him a cab.But that wasn’t what had happened. Dan had risen up on one arm to gaze down upon him in the wan light afforded by a crescent moon shining in through the window. Evan couldn’t bear to look at him, certain Dan’s face would reveal disappointment, ridicule, anger, disbelief.He never imagined that Dan would be smiling—and not in a mocking way. When he allowed himself to look, Evan could have sworn his heart leaped into his throat, because even in the darkness he could see Dan was happy, yes, maybe even a little thrilled, with his admission.Dan reached out to run a hand across the smooth expanse of Evan’s chest, then leaned down and kissed him, his lips a soft counterpoint to the rough stubble scratching against Evan’s smooth face.Dan pulled away and, gently stroking Evan’s cheek, said, “I love you too. I didn’t mean for it to happen, but there it is. I wouldn’t have said anything if you hadn’t spoken first, but I do believe, Mr. Maple, I have felt this way from the very first moment I laid eyes on you.”“Me too,” Evan whispered, hot tears of joy gathering at the corners of his eyes.“You were not the first escort I hired, but I do believe you’ll be the last.”Evan could see in his mind’s eye the enraged and disapproving glance of Davidson Chillingsworth as he let even more unwise words slip from his lips. “Oh, Dan, I could never charge you. Not again. Not with what we know.”Evan, who was all of twenty-four, had yet to experience real love in his young life, and his mind flooded with fantasies about a future with Dan, leaving his escort days behind him, becoming a couple.Now Evan took a sip from the latest drink the bartender set before him and shook his head, remembering how quickly Dan dashed those fantasies.Dan had slowly made circles around each of Evan’s nipples with his forefinger, at last letting out a long sigh. He spoke. “Yes, you will charge me. Because what we have here is what fits.”

Real Men. True Love.
Rick R. Reed draws inspiration from the lives of gay men to craft stories that quicken the heartbeat, engage emotions, and keep the pages turning. Although he dabbles in horror, dark suspense, and comedy, his attention always returns to the power of love. He’s the award-winning and bestselling author of more than fifty works of published fiction and is forever at work on yet another book. Lambda Literary has called him: “A writer that doesn’t disappoint…” You can find him at www.rickrreed.com or www.rickrreedreality.blogspot.com. Rick lives in Palm Springs, CA with his beloved husband and their fierce Chihuahua/Shiba Inu mix.

Monday, December 18, 2017

I was beyond thrilled to wake up to the news that OnTopDownUnder Reviews picked my novel about the triumph of love over addiction, THE PERILS OF INTIMACY, as its Book of the Year for 2017!Reviewer Cindi chose it because "(Rick) writes real stories about real people." Read about the other books honored here. BLURB
Jimmy and Mark make an adorable couple. Jimmy’s kindness and clean-cut cuteness radiate out of him like light. Mark, although a bit older, complements Jimmy with his humor and his openness to love.

But between them, a dark secret lurks, one with the power to destroy.

See, when Mark believes he’s meeting Jimmy for the first time in the diner where he works, he’s wrong.

Mark has no recollection of their original encounter because the wholesome Jimmy of today couldn’t be more different than he was two years ago. Back then, Jimmy sported multiple piercings, long bleached dreadlocks, and facial hair. He was painfully skinny—and a meth addict. The drug transformed him into a different person—a lying, conniving thief who robbed Mark blind during their one-night stand.

Mark doesn’t associate the memory of a hookup gone horribly wrong with this fresh-faced, smiling twentysomething… but Jimmy knows. As they begin a dance of love and attraction, will Jimmy be brave enough to reveal the truth? And if he does, will Mark be able to forgive him? Can he see Jimmy for the man he is now and not the addict he was? The answers will depend on whether true love holds enough light to shine through the darkness of past mistakes.

WHAT OTHER REVIEWERS HAD TO SAY“This story had me hooked from the moment I started reading…and that ending was the perfect touch…Dog-Eared Daydreams ***“This story was truly everything I was hoping it would be. I was already a fan of Rick R. Reed’s books, but this one might just be my favourite so far.”Love Bytes Reviews***“This book is about love, hope, second chances, and the reality of many gay men. It lets the reader into a very real world, with detailed descriptions of drug usage and recovery–of pain, wishes, mistakes, and transformations. It might not be everyone’s perfect love story, but it is perfect for Marc and Jimmy. It’s their journey for us to learn and for them to tell.”Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Reviews***“I highly recommend this one to those who love a gritty, emotional M/M romance. And if you like the works of Stephen King, you will likely appreciate that extra little touch this author, who I happen to know admires Mr. King, offers at the end of this story.”Hearts on Fire Reviews

Real Men. True Love.
Rick R. Reed draws inspiration from the lives of gay men to craft stories that quicken the heartbeat, engage emotions, and keep the pages turning. Although he dabbles in horror, dark suspense, and comedy, his attention always returns to the power of love. He’s the award-winning and bestselling author of more than fifty works of published fiction and is forever at work on yet another book. Lambda Literary has called him: “A writer that doesn’t disappoint…” You can find him at www.rickrreed.com or www.rickrreedreality.blogspot.com. Rick lives in Palm Springs, CA with his beloved husband and their fierce Chihuahua/Shiba Inu mix.

Thursday, December 7, 2017

BLURBTwo men. One Christmas Eve that changes the courses of both their lives.

Henry’s homeless and only wants a warm place to sleep on the coldest night of the year. A forgotten open window in a darkened house entices Henry inside with the promise of warmth and comfort. He knows it’s bad, but he promises himself he’ll be out before the owner wakes on Christmas morning. Except he oversleeps and the homeowner, Jim, discovers a bearded stranger sawing logs under his dining room table. When the shock and the drama that ensues dies down, Henry and Jim discover that they might have found, quite unexpectedly, the Christmas miracle they’d both been longing for—love and home.

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2017 Advent Calendar "Stocking Stuffers."

Real Men. True Love.
Rick R. Reed draws inspiration from the lives of gay men to craft stories that quicken the heartbeat, engage emotions, and keep the pages turning. Although he dabbles in horror, dark suspense, and comedy, his attention always returns to the power of love. He’s the award-winning and bestselling author of more than fifty works of published fiction and is forever at work on yet another book. Lambda Literary has called him: “A writer that doesn’t disappoint…” You can find him at www.rickrreed.com or www.rickrreedreality.blogspot.com. Rick lives in Palm Springs, CA with his beloved husband and their fierce Chihuahua/Shiba Inu mix.

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Although Dinner at Fiorello’s doesn’t contain actual recipes, it does
contain a lot of food. Below is an excerpt that shows you our main character,
Henry Appleby, on his very first—and very nervous—visit to the restaurant where
he hopes to go against his family’s wishes and apply for a job working in the
kitchen.

Read the excerpt, and if you’re intrigued by what Rosalie serves
Henry, read on for the recipe. You should note that the Tripe Stew is a dish my
Sicilian mom would make—and that I would always turn my nose up at. Now that Mom’s
in Heaven, I’m sorry I never gave it a try. It always smelled delicious.

EXCERPT—“Tripe Stew and A Case of the Nerves”

Rosalie, as this must be, seemed
like she’d come straight from central casting where the request was for someone
who looked like an Italian mother. Rosalie had an upsweep of salt-and-pepper
hair and wore a black dress and what Henry mother would call sensible shoes.
Her nose was big, her features careworn, but there was something about her
eyes, a greenish-brown in color, that exuded warmth and maybe, if he looked
really hard, mischief. She didn’t smile. “Did Carmela get your drink order?”
she asked.

“Yeah, she’s bringing me some
water. And bread.”

“Good. Take a look at the menu
and see what you want. The fish today is good. Snapper with olives, garlic, and
tomatoes. It’s fresh.”

She hurried away, and Henry
opened the menu and began to scan it. He wanted to let out a little sigh. For
him, this collection of food was like porn was to some of his peers. Right
away, he could see the offerings leaned toward what Henry imagined was southern
Italian comfort food—baked manicotti, ricotta pie, braccioli, greens and beans in tomato sauce, a pepper and egg
sandwich on “Mom’s homemade bread,” were just a few of the things that set
Henry’s mouth to watering.

The menu was like the family
photos on the wall. It made him feel like he was visiting someone’s home,
sitting in their kitchen, and being welcome. No pretense. Just a suggestion of
“we’re so glad you’re here.”

When Rosalie returned, Henry
ordered a cappicola sandwich with
mozzarella and arugula, also on homemade bread.

“On the house. Just something to
tide you over until Vito makes your sandwich. It’s what we had at our family
meal today.”

“What is it?”

“Tripe with tomatoes and
potatoes. It’s good. Mangia!”

Henry wanted to ask, “Isn’t that
cow stomach?” but Rosalie had already taken off to wait on another table. He
picked up his spoon and moved it around in the cup with more than a little
doubt. Hey, if you’re thinking you’re
some kind of foodie and today could be the start of a new direction for you,
you can’t be a candy ass about trying new things. Just take a bite.

He did. The tripe was a little
chewy but had a wonderful meaty richness to it that was complemented by the
sauce, which was redolent of tomatoes and garlic. Henry could also taste
carrots, onions, and herbs like oregano. He was surprised that it was actually
quite delicious, and in no time he had finished the small bowl and found
himself wishing for more.

The rest of Henry’s lunch did not
disappoint him and continued on its theme of Italian comfort food. Everything
he ate was filling, richly flavored, and bore all the signs of being prepared
fresh right here on the premises. The bread was a revelation—light, airy, with
a golden crust that stood up to the bite. The crust was hard, but in a
delightful way.

He pushed his plate away and
wondered about dessert. Rosalie, after all, had said he needed to put on some
weight. But he was so stuffed—that sandwich was huge—that he was afraid he’d
burst if he ate so much as another morsel.

Now came the moment of truth. Of
course he’d pay the check; that was a given. But did he have the nerve to do
what he’d really come here to do?

Baby steps. He
told himself he’d be a fool and a coward if he didn’t at least fill out the
application. He could always refuse the job if he decided he wanted to follow
in his father’s footsteps, as the universe expected him to do. That way he
could turn it down if they called him, which even Henry knew was unlikely.

Working here would be fun,
Henry thought, even if he wouldn’t fit in with his flaxen hair and blue eyes.
So what? He could be from northern Italy. They had blonds there, didn’t they?

Rosalie brought him his check.
“Take your time,” she said. Henry pulled out the cash he had brought along—no
way was he using a credit card for this—and put down enough to cover the bill
and a generous tip for the “warm and welcoming” Rosalie.

And then he sat back. Everything
he had eaten began to churn. I can’t do
it. It’s more than just filling out an application and waiting to see what
happens. It’s defying your family. You know they’ll be unhappy, especially Dad.
Unhappy? He’d be furious, ashamed, and questioning my sanity.

If I do this, and they just so happen to offer me the job, I will
want it. No doubt. And this is not a summer job. It’s not fair to take it
under the pretense that I can just leave when school starts in the fall.

So at least you understand yourself now and what’s at stake. No
illusions.

He picked up a piece of cappicola
that had fallen out of his sandwich and gnawed on it, its rich spices and heat
bursting on his tongue. He slowed his breathing to listen to the bustle in the
kitchen. Someone shouted, “Throw it away! It smells rotten.” Henry grinned.

He took in all the other diners.
They seemed happy, content, their bellies full. Wouldn’t it be something to
feed people as his life’s work? Wouldn’t that mean more than managing stuff
like portfolios, hedge funds, and other things his dad talked about over the
dinner table? Henry was pretty much clueless about what his father did, and
worse, he was sure he had no interest in finding out.

Do it.

RECIPE—TRIPE AND POTATO STEW

To serve 4, you’ll need:

2 lbs.
pre-boiled tripe, cut into bite-sized strips (you need to pre-boil it for about
an hour, just to tenderize it)

1 onion,
diced

1 carrot, diced

1 stalk of
celery, diced

Olive oil

A couple
tablespoons white wine

8 oz. can of
whole tomatoes, crushed up with your hands

4-6 small
potatoes, peeled and diced

Salt and
pepper to taste

1 Bay leaf

1 teaspoon
each: dried basil, dried thyme

Parmesan for
serving

Directions

1. In a
large, heavy pot, sauté onion, carrot and celery in olive oil until soft,
making sure not let any of them brown. Season with salt and pepper as you go.

2. Add the
tripe strips and stir well. Simmer for a few minutes to allow it to take on the
flavor of the aromatics. Then add white wine, raise the heat, and let the wine
cook off.

3. Add
tomatoes, crushing them with your hands as you add them to the pot, together
with the bay leaf and herbs. Mix everything well and cover the pot. Turn down
the heat to low and let it simmer for 30-45 minutes, until the tripe is tender
and the sauce reduced. About halfway through the simmering, add the potatoes,
mix them in, re-cover the pot and continue simmering. When the tripe is tender,
if you find the dish too liquid, uncover the pot and raise the heat to reduce
for a few minutes, until you have the consistency you like. Taste and adjust
for seasoning.

4. Eat with
grated parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil on top.

BLURBHenry Appleby has an appetite for
life. As a recent high school graduate and the son of a wealthy family in one
of Chicago’s affluent North Shore suburbs, his life is laid out for him.
Unfortunately, though, he’s being forced to follow in the footsteps of his
successful attorney father instead of living his dream of being a chef. When an opportunity comes his way to work in a real
kitchen the summer after graduation, at a little Italian joint called
Fiorello’s, Henry jumps at the chance, putting his future in jeopardy.

Years ago, life was a plentiful buffet for
Vito Carelli. But a tragic turn of events now keeps the young chef at
Fiorello’s quiet and secretive, preferring to let his amazing Italian peasant
cuisine do his talking. When the two cooks meet over an open flame, sparks fly.
Both need a taste of something more—something real, something true—to separate
the good from the bad and find the love—and the hope—that just might be their
salvation.

Real Men. True Love.
Rick R. Reed draws inspiration from the lives of gay men to craft stories that quicken the heartbeat, engage emotions, and keep the pages turning. Although he dabbles in horror, dark suspense, and comedy, his attention always returns to the power of love. He’s the award-winning and bestselling author of more than fifty works of published fiction and is forever at work on yet another book. Lambda Literary has called him: “A writer that doesn’t disappoint…” You can find him at www.rickrreed.com or www.rickrreedreality.blogspot.com. Rick lives in Palm Springs, CA with his beloved husband and their fierce Chihuahua/Shiba Inu mix.

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Real Men. True Love.

I draw inspiration from the lives of gay men to craft stories that quicken the heartbeat, engage emotions, and keep the pages turning. Although I dabble in horror, dark suspense, and comedy, my attention always returns to the power of love. I'm addicted to books--I've written and had published more than 35 novels and counting, some of which have won awards and made it to the top of the Amazon bestseller charts. I'm forever at work on yet another book. Lambda Literary called me: "A writer that doesn't disappoint…" I live in Palm Springs, CA with my beloved husband who tries, mostly successfully, to keep me out of trouble. When I'm not writing, I'm cooking, reading, running, or traveling.

Visit (and please follow) my Amazon author page to see all the books I have waiting for you to dive into!